Everton reportedly want Newcastle United starlet Lewis Gibson – but a deal for Chelsea’s Abdul Baba Rahman could damage his first-team prospects.
It’s testament to just how exciting a talent Abdul Baba Rahman looked at FC Augsburg that comparisons with one Gareth Bale appeared justified at the time. Therefore, despite a disappointing debut season at Chelsea and an injury-hit loan at Schalke, it’s far too early to write the 22-year-old off.
At least, that appears to be the view from Goodison Park. The Daily Mail reports that Everton have made an enquiry about the £14 million Chelsea left-back, although they face a challenge with Bundesliga giants Schalke set to take him on loan for another season.
The Ghanaian’s defensive deficiencies were ruthlessly exposed in the Premier League, particularly as Xherdan Shaqiri ran him ragged in Stoke City’s 1-0 win against Jose Mourinho’s beleaguered side in November 2015.
However, Baba Rahman remains a thrilling prospect, his powerful overlapping runs and pinpoint crosses certainly reminiscent of Bale in his early, pre-superstar Tottenham days.
Everton will know that they cannot put off targeting a long-term successor for 32-year-old Leighton Baines forever. Therefore, their approach for Baba Rahman, the typical lung-busting modern full-back, makes perfect sense.
However, you wonder what this means for their interest in Newcastle United’s teenage left-back Lewis Gibson. The Liverpool Echo claims that Everton are one of a few clubs targeting the youngster and, with manager Ronald Koeman showing a commitment to blooding young players, you could see why a move to Goodison Park may appeal.
Particularly as Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez suggested recently that young players face a struggle getting into his first-team plans, as reported by the Sunderland Echo.
However, with the impending departure of the out-of-favour Achraf Lazaar, Paul Dummett will remain as the club’s only senior left-back. Therefore, with Everton targeting Baba Rahman, Gibson may actually have a better chance of securing first-team, top flight football at St James’ Park.
The grass isn’t always greener.
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